Alabama coach Nick Saban believes that playing his first-team offense against his first-team defense is the best way to get ready for the fall. (AP Photo)

“We’ve kind of settled here on doing it this way, and I think this is going to be the best way to help our team develop and get ready for the season,” Saban told AL.com. “It’s a new team, and I think this situation will really help them.”

The new-look offensive line will be especially intriguing. Saban has made a number of changes on the offensive line. The first-team group will feature: left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, left guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones, right guard Anthony Steen and right tackle D.J. Fluker.

“We can be the best (offensive line) in the country,” Steen told AL.com. “We have the confidence to be. Our chemistry was just kind of struggling in the beginning of the spring, but we’re coming together as a unit now, and if we keep our heads straight and stay focused, we can be the best.”